How school canteens can teach our kids about food choices

Personally, I love volunteering at my kid’s school canteens. Not only do I get to see my kids in the middle of a school day (and maybe, just maybe, get a sneaky hug), but I also get to hang out with other parents and swap those little parenting gems that help us become better parents.

Professionally, I also love it. As a dietitian who works primarily with schools and childcare organisations, I know the influence that these food environments have on our kid’s food choices. I am constantly fascinated, but not surprised, at how kids make their choices when faced with the foods on offer.

Kids will generally choose what is easily available. So make sure your canteen has the more nourishing choices in easy reach, in eye view and at a good price. And ensure your canteen is mostly nourishing choices. In NSW this means stocking your canteen with at least 75% Everyday choices.

You are welcome to make suggestions but try to steer clear of encouraging particular foods because they are “healthy”. Kids are all about the experience and why a choice is relevant to them NOW! So talk up the foods you know are more nourishing by making it relevant to them right here, right now. For example: “Choosing a wholemeal bread sandwich will help run faster at training this afternoon”. “You look hot! How about some super-cool frozen watermelon?”

Need help with your canteen menu, marketing and promotion or even staff/volunteer training? We can help!

And if you have never volunteered at your child’s school canteen, then I would highly recommend it. It might be hard work but it is so rewarding and your kids will love to see you there (even if they won’t admit it publicly!).